About Dimensions of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution's Letter to Western Youth

About Dimensions of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution's Letter to Western Youth

Undoubtedly, the recent letter of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution to youth in Europe and North America covers widespread and comprehensive dimensions.

To learn more about the details, NASIM News Agency has conducted an interview with Hassan Kachouian. He clarified and analyzed dimensions of this letter.

Let's review the interview in questions and answers.

Q: How do you evaluate the preliminaries of admitting message of supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in later generation of Europe and West?

A: In response to your question, it should be acknowledged that a wave like tsunami rose in the West as of 1960s which covered two important aspects in general. One aspect is related to disappointment and unhappiness of current civilization of west or modernity. The next aspect is related to inclination to dimensions of existence and life which is neglected in this civilization.

The first dimension or “disappointment” and “dissatisfaction”, arising from current west civilization, led to the formation of an environment which was then famed “postmodernism”. In other words, criticism of modernity came to being with different aspects including value crises, etc.

In the same years of second dimension, a severe inclination to religion was observed among youth and west’s new generation. Tendency to the eastern Gnosticism and mysticisms, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. became prevalent in the west in that time and different movements like hippies came to being which was followed by protest.

These two movements have been invigorated in the course of these years and no weaknesses can be observed in these movements. The more steps are taken in this regard; preliminaries of criticism, unhappiness, and dissatisfaction of existing systems (including social, cultural, economic and political systems) are developed. In recent developments such as Wall Street Movement, it can be witnessed that these movements have been transferred to the public general level.

Presently, there is not aspect of western lifestyle and the said issue is of paramount importance for westerners with regard to the cases such as democracy and other issues in terms of modern values and consequently, critical stance has been formed with regard to these cases.

It is advancing with regard to the religious tendencies and this issue was mostly observed after the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution. After the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution, a large sea wave “tsunami” spread across the world. In the same direction Hindus, Jews, Christians, Buddhism, etc. were revived. For instance, issues happened in Myanmar is the outcome and consequence of revival of Buddhism. Buddhism claims religious is free from any violence and feels sense of existence and enters the political arena and finally, defend its identity.

Given the above issue, I do not agree with these movements, rather, I point to the reason and their root. The issues happened in Myanmar is the outcome of revival of Buddhism and such movement came to being in Israel (Judaism) and world of Christianity and other religions across the world.

Q: Do you believe “Takfiri” movement in the course of such uprising?

A: Such tendencies came to being since 1960s in the world. It can be said that the Islamic Revolution also came to being in such situation and this issue was improved comprehensively after the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution. Occurrence of the Islamic Revolution brought about a tremendous influence among Muslim emigrants in Europe to restore their Islamic identity. In the same direction, many Muslim thinkers and intellectuals have pointed to the said issue that emigrants were not introducing themselves as “Muslim” before the Islamic Revolution, rather, they were introducing themselves as an individual as resident of Pakistan, Somalia, Algeria, etc. Pakistani and African Muslims, etc. returned to this Islamic identity in countries like France, England, etc.

Q: Is this issue considered as consequences of the Islamic Revolution or outcomes as a result of measures taken by the executive officials?

A: No, the consequences of revival of Islam were occurred by the Islamic Revolution. For instance, Christianity in these years was highly welcomed in world under the influence of revival of religion and the ceremonies which Pope John Paul II participated in it is a solid evidence of the said claim.

The sense of recurrence to the Islamic identity by Muslims in the West created an extraordinary feeling of fear among westerners in order to prevent European and western youth from being converted into Islam. Since then, the wave of Islamophobia and converting Islam into a monster and giant issue started. The major fear of west world was inspired by the tendency of the very westerners to Islam, neither the Muslims who were in west and wave of recurrence to the Islamic identity had been formed among them.

Of course, unfortunately, westerners managed to curb and control this affair in one sense. In the same direction, organized and widespread measures were taken in this regard which included several preliminaries such as cinema, the press, and political circles. For instance, the issue of apostate Salman Rushdie is a clear example of these cases. If a Muslim did not feel a threat by Islam, there is no reason to seek Islam and Holy Prophet (S) and mar them.

During this time, making Hollywood films started with the centrality of destructing and marring real image of Islam. When a fixed and constant policy entered the cinema and if a film is made in related field consecutively, it is not meant that the risk is related to today and tomorrow, rather, it is meant sense of a strategic danger.

This path started since that time and is intensifying continually. For instance, an issue is raised in each of European counters every day, one day, the issue of Hijab (Islamic Dress Code) is raised and the other day, the issue of minaret of mosques and the next day, another issue is raised as well. Eventually, it is observed an insulting caricature in this respect. These issues indicate that west feels a serious fear and such fear are not related to the Muslims who are present in these countries; rather, it is beyond expectation. A glance at sales rate of Holy Quran in recent years, it is be grasped out that the Holy Book is one of the best-selling books in the world. All these cases which were explained indicate that the trend has not only been continued, but also it has been improved and developed. Given the above issue, it is clear that preliminary of acceptance of the supreme Leader’s letter to western and European youth is very high.

Another point which is usually ignored is this that westerners had not considered approaches taken by easterners, for, westerners were considering the easterners with people at second grade. Moreover, westerners were not paying due attention to the events happened in eastern countries. Generally speaking, westerners were not considering way of thinking of easterners as important, let along to refer them [easterners] as an evidence for their claims. But in the movement of Wall Street, it can be observed that not only westerners took Islamic countries as a role model, but also they [westerners] compared themselves with the countries like Egypt and Islamic countries in banners and placards apparently.

These issues are very important and indicate that not only western idea has failed, but also it shows the direction of the attitudes they are thinking about. Presently, west looks towards the east and especially Islamic and Islamic world. All of these indicate the issue that the west is very apt to admit the valuable concepts.

Q: There is a contemplation that this letter has been written since the West managed to act successfully. Considering that an aspect of Islam has been displayed presently which indicates that Islam is not a pure Islam and Islamic Republic of Iran felt the risk of the issue and for this purpose, a letter was written to youth in this respect.

A: No. I do not agree with you. Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution wrote the letter on this purpose that a battle has been formed between Islam and the West. The Leader believes that silence should not be adopted in this respect; rather, effective steps should be taken as well. In other words, the Leader decided to enter the battle himself. Suddenly, world people cannot be addressed or recommended to do special activity, rather, social and cultural fields should first be provided.

Given the above issue, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution predicted that time is ripped and it is the best time to do such move.

Q: Officials in the country adopted silence as the Leader's wrote letter to youth in Europe and North America. What is the main reason here?

A: In response to your question, I should say that statesmen and politicians in the country have not considered a role and position for themselves at this juncture, rather they consider incorrect role and positions for themselves.

For instance, during Khatami Administration, many efforts were taken in this respect to merge Iran in global system. Perhaps, it can be said that Mr. Ahmadinejad is the only person who acted differently in this regard. He was thinking of a revolutionary system for himself and was of the opinion that such revolutionary system should be propelled. Some officials have recently explained in their interviews that we are in a dilemma. They are of the opinion that one clear-cut way should be selected: either to be a revolutionary system or be a responsible official in international system in order to take advantage of its interests. It is not meant that we should be a major player for the west in the region.

Q: West has not allowed an accurate identification and recognition of Islam. In many books of humanities, it can be observed that West knows Islam with Jihadi spirit and this issue indicates aggressive and hardline attitude toward Islam. In your opinion, which Islamic aspects, according to the letter of Leader, can attract western addresses in this field?

A: If west has changed in every field, it has not changed in one field. When Islam came to being in Medieval Ages, westerners felt fear of Islam due to its development and penetration. However, they [westerners] created an image of Islam in their minds. In this image, Islam and Christianity stood along with each other i.e. Islam [which is manifestation of aggression and violence] and Christianity [which is manifestation of love and peace]. West thinkers and intellectuals also have such an image from Islam. For example, a thinker like Marx Weber has the same imagination on Islam in his works. In this image, Islam only knows sword on one hand, moving forward with sword and violence, and on the other hand, Islam was found with “debauchery “characteristic, for, they could not match themselves with Islam and eventually, they resorted to mar the real image of Islam. Generally speaking, westerners left no stone unturned in order to destroy real image of Islam in their minds.

Even in late century i.e. 19th century, Holy Quran has not been translated fairly in western countries and motivational and arousing subjects have been reflected towards Islam in these countries as well. This is the framework and an image that has been formed approx. 900 years ago and has also been intensified during these years with various events.

The most important point that should be taken into consideration here is this that Islam is a two- dimensional religion. Given the traditions, other religions have been introduced as a single- dimensional aspect.

Of course, it is not meant that Christianity has not committed any crime in the course of history. The mass killing and massacres happened during Medieval Ages and crucified wars, etc. are considered as crimes and felonies committed by Christians. Let’s draw a comparison between Islam crucified wars wit Christianity. When Christianity occupies Holy city of Quds, many people are killed while Islam has nothing to do with people and westerns acknowledge this affair.

Therefore, Islam is a religion that has two aspects simultaneously. Basically, Islam is meant a religion of perfection, compassion, and mercy, for mercy and compassion always overtakes violence and aggression. To learn more about this, it should be noted that the Holy Prophet of Islam (S) was not forerunner as beginner of war and was making his utmost effort in order to prevent war from happening. Given the above issue, Islam is a two- dimensional religion and it should be introduced in two aspects.

Q: Considering the similarity of this letter with the letters wrote by the late founding father of Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (RA), what is the main reason behind repetition of this letter. How do you evaluate effectiveness of this latter?

A: Politic can be viewed in two aspects. One aspect is in ordinary form. Even, Imam Khomeini’s move with regard to Salman Rushdie does not include in its ordinary form. A glance at works of Toffler and many others, it can be grasped out that Imam Khomeini’s move with regard to Salman Rushdie or his conveyance of message to Gorbachev is manifestation of emergence of a type of different politics.

When your word does not include within the framework of an ordinary diplomatic policies, you can resort to define a new different form of politics. It should be noted that politics is not confined to government in the global arena; rather, individuals, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), etc. have turned into players of arena of politics. Therefore, general politics becomes very important in this situation and measures taken by supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei and imam Khomeini (RA) can be defined in this framework. That is to say that there are parties and individuals in new situation that play an effective role in world of politics but they cannot be accessed in ordinary framework and eventually, they cannot be addressed.

This is an aspect of story. Another aspect of the story, that the late Imam Khomeini (RA) and Leadership place special emphasis on them, is this that we consider our revolution as sequence of Nabavi tradition. Given the above issue, conveyance of message to Gorbachev or to youth in Europe and North America will be meaningful in this definition.

As far as story of Salman Rushdie is concerned, merely defending Islam is not the main objective of the late Imam Khomeini (RA). Therefore, letter of leadership can be analyzed in this respect and it is not a matter of today and yesterday. It is heard repeatedly western democracy and liberal system has vanished and the Islamic Republic is the other alternative which has come to being in the world.

Q: To what extent this letter will influence the audience? Some foreign outlets have weakened feedback and reflection of the news according to the statistics of western resources like Tweeter, etc.?

A: This issue cannot be evaluated based on foreign media outlets, because, addressees of this letter are not media companions. Secondly, these organizations are moving forwards based on preplanned programs. A brief look to Tweeter, you can find subjects on Iran.

For example, it is not allowed message of the late Imam Khomeini (RA) to Pope John Paul II to be published in dailies. Even the message was not published even funding at local dailies. I lived in English for about six years and during these years, only three news on Iran were published in British media and dailies, so that the three of them were disappointed and bad news on Iran.

Q: The activities done by the West to show Islam as “religion of violence” marred real image of Islam on one hand and caused Islam as an important religion in world on the other hand. Is marring Islam considered as important for the West which carried out such measures in this respect?

A: After the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, revival of Islam in the West was found with various aspects. The issue of lawful (halal) meat was considered as one of the aspects in compatible with the living condition of western countries. Western courses have come to know that lawful meat dubbed “Halal” is more beneficial for human health condition. Eating lawful “Halal” meat has not only been spread among Muslims, but also it is eaten by all European and western people.

Q: Message of the Leader of Islamic Revolution handed over to youth in Europe and North America. What is the role of system and government in clarification and dissemination of message of the Leader? What is the role of people in this respect?

A: Two moves should be taken into consideration with regard to one message. Firstly message should be published or disseminated to addressee. For this purpose, our cultural advisors and envoys, embassies, trans- boundary organizations such as radio and TV, etc. can play a leading role in conveyance or publication of the message. Clarification and opening message should be carried out at the next step. However, various aspects of this issue should be discussed.

At first step, it should be tried to disseminate or convey the message rapidly. At the next step, it should be tried to prevent ambiguity of the message in a way that the message should be conveyed accurately and precisely and doing such activities will guarantee effectiveness of the message more.

Q: In your opinion, what was the most important pivot of message of Leader in this letter?

A: Leader’s message is very brief, transparent, accurate and precise. The message followed with various satisfactory aspects. In my opinion, the most interesting point in the message is as follows: “Why western intellectuals and thinkers always adopt posterity in historical point of view?”

Q: To what extent we have been successful in export of revolution to other countries?

A: The most important events happened after the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1978. In other words, Islamic Revolution in Iran is the brainchild of many important events in world ranging from the event happened in Latin America to the developments in the Middle East region. Every influential activity done in world is inspired by the Islamic Revolution to a great extent.

In other words, most important events have been affected by the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the revolution which challenged the existing civilization. Various individuals with queer and strange policies came to being in order to control Islamic revolution and for materializing their objectives, they left no stone unturned.

How much is the palpable costs that Islamic Revolution has imposed to U.S. during Iran and Iraq war?

Let’s consider only two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. How much cost did the two wars impose to U.S. economy?

Q: Since Takfiri movement has been disseminated and spread across the world, do you think that it is an obstacle for export of real and pure Islamic Revolution to world?

A: Forming Takfiri movements is one of the blessings of West which started as of Taliban came to power. The Liberal West had not any power to create social and popular movements in world until before the Islamic revolution. Concurrent with the Islamic Revolution, western countries managed to form quintets in Latin America and consequently, they created Taliban in Islamic world.

Western countries took advantage of irrelevant governments in their favor and enlivened historical animosities among people. One of Takfiri Friday Prayers Leader in a mosque in England told me that he was interested in behavior of the late Imam Khomeini and Islamic revolution.

Given the above issue, Islamic Revolution in Iran managed to export pure Revolution and teachings to the Islamic world in particular.

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